Audit of outcomes following a community‐based early intensive behaviour intervention program for children with autism in Australia

Abstract

Objective Research studies have shown that early intensive behaviour intervention is an effective treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However a research‐to‐practice gap exists, whereby the interventions effective in university‐based studies are not implemented effectively in community settings. The current study is an audit of outcomes achieved by children with ASD who have completed a community‐based early intensive behaviour intervention program in Australia. Method The educational placement of 45 participants, following an average 20 hr of intervention per week for 24 months is reported. Standardised assessment results at entry and exit from intervention are reported for a subset of 32 participants. Results On average the 32 participants demonstrated statistically significant increases in receptive and expressive language, cognitive, and adaptive behaviour skills. Three outcome groups emerged; a ‘substantial gain’ group (45%), ‘moderate gain’ group (27.5%), and a ‘minimal gain’ group (27.5%). Conclusions The results demonstrate that by implementing ‘best practice’ early intensive behaviour intervention in a not‐for‐profit, community‐based setting, children with ASD can achieve outcomes comparable to those reported in university‐based research.

Keywords

• applied behaviour analysis
• autism spectrum disorder
• early intensive behaviour intervention
• outcome
• school placement
• standardised assessments